BILL NUMBER: AB 268	CHAPTERED  07/28/99

	CHAPTER   193
	FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE   JULY 28, 1999
	APPROVED BY GOVERNOR   JULY 27, 1999
	PASSED THE ASSEMBLY   JULY 15, 1999
	PASSED THE SENATE   JULY 12, 1999
	AMENDED IN SENATE   JUNE 16, 1999
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY   MAY 28, 1999
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY   APRIL 5, 1999
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY   MARCH 18, 1999
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY   MARCH 15, 1999

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Members Cedillo and Nakano
   (Coauthors:  Assembly Members Aroner, Calderon, Florez, Hertzberg,
Honda, Knox, Kuehl, Longville, Mazzoni, Robert Pacheco, Pescetti,
Shelley, Strom-Martin, Wayne, Wesson, Wright, and Zettel)
   (Coauthors:  Senators Baca, Burton, Costa, Polanco, and Solis)

                        FEBRUARY 3, 1999

   An act relating to  parks and recreation.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 268, Cedillo.  Museum of Chinese American History:  Italian
Hall:  funding.
   The Budget Act of 1998 appropriates funds to the Department of
Parks and Recreation for local assistance grants.
   This bill would make state funding for the permanent site for the
Museum of Chinese American History and for the restoration of the
Italian Hall, both in Los Angeles, contingent upon funding in the
Budget Act of 1999.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:


  SECTION 1.  The Legislature hereby finds and declares the
following:
   (a) The history of our nation and California is a rich and
enduring tapestry woven with the threads of many remarkable lives,
cultures, and events.
   (b) The lives, work, and artistry of Chinese Americans have added
strength, vitality, and purpose to that tapestry.
   (c) Chinese Americans constitute one of the fastest growing
populations in the nation, with the majority of Chinese Americans
making their home in this state with large numbers in southern
California.
   (d) In order to educate the general public while preserving
American history and culture from the unique perspective of the
generations of Chinese Americans who have contributed to our national
fabric, the Museum of Chinese American History was established.
   (e) The Museum of Chinese American History was formed as a
nonprofit organization in 1989 and the museum will officially open to
the public at its permanent site in the El Pueblo de Los Angeles
Historic Monument in Los Angeles in the year 2000, the
Sesquicentennial of California's statehood.
   (f) The Museum of Chinese American History has already firmly
established itself as a significant cultural educational resource for
Chinese Americans and the multicultural communities in this state
and the nation, hosting numerous exhibitions and events and
conducting research projects.
   (g) Through the work of the museum, precious Chinese American
traditions and folklore, moving oral histories, records of painful
obstacles overcome, and hard fought successes are being preserved and
safeguarded for all Americans and visitors to our country to study,
admire, and treasure as they explore the pieces of our national
character.
   (h) The Museum of Chinese American History also serves as an
educational and resource center for the exchange of ideas and
experiences related to life in multiethnic and multicultural America
and as a vital force in bridging communities and generations of
different cultural backgrounds.
   The Museum of Chinese American History and Friends of the Museum
of Chinese American History are working in partnership with the City
of Los Angeles and the private sector to secure funding in order to
develop and maintain a permanent facility for the museum center.
  SEC. 2.  It is the intent of the Legislature that the Museum of
Chinese American History shall not become a financial burden to the
State of California, and therefore, that any maintenance or repair
costs incurred by the museum shall be the responsibility of the
Friends of the Museum of Chinese American History.
  SEC. 3.  State funding for the rehabilitation, development, and
operations for the permanent site of the Museum of Chinese American
History in Los Angeles is contingent upon funding provided in the
Budget Act of 1999.
  SEC. 4.  The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the
following:
   (a) Italian Americans have played an important role in the social
and economic development of California.
   (b) The history of Italian Americans in Los Angeles can be traced
back to 1823.
   (c) The historic Italian Hall was built in 1907 and has served as
the center of the Italian community for over a century.
   (d) The Italian Hall has been vital in educating the public about
Italian American history and preserving Italian culture.
   (e) Through social gatherings and community events the Italian
Hall has successfully educated the public about the contributions of
Italians and preserved Italian culture and history for the public and
generations to come.
   (f) The Italian Hall is working in partnership with the City of
Los Angeles and the private sector to secure funding for the
restoration of the historic hall.
  SEC. 5.  Funding for a grant for the restoration of the Italian
Hall in Los Angeles is contingent upon funding provided in the Budget
Act of 1999.
